About Us

The NHS National Genetics Education and Development Centre was set up in 2004 as one of the initiatives in the Genetics White Paper with a remit “to act as a focal point for genetics education and development” and to “help drive and coordinate genetics education for health professionals working outside specialist genetic services”. Although based mainly at Birmingham Women’s Hospital, we collaborate widely throughout the United Kingdom with colleagues in clinical practice and education.

Advances in the science of genetics present challenges to health workers and organisations. Not only do we need to ensure that knowledge available know enhances current clinical management, but that we are prepared for the advances that will come from an increased understanding of the genetic contribution to common conditions and responses to medication. There is widespread agreement that genetics education is a vital component in beginning to meet these aims.

Our strategy in supporting genetics education for health includes:

• identifying the genetics knowledge, skills and attitudes important for delivering patient care
• offering clear statements about what needs to be learned and taught
• encouraging the adoption of these statements into educational delivery
• supporting educators through networks
• developing and providing resources for learners, practitioners and educators
  
  

Supporting genetics education for health in primary care

The NHS National Genetics Education and Development Centre has worked in collaboration with the Royal College of General Practitioners to support the genetics education of GPs. This partnership resulted in the development of the RCGP curriculum statement 6 ‘Genetics in Primary Care’ which was based on a study of educational needs, incorporating the views of practitioners (GP trainers, programme directors and trainees) and specialists (geneticists). This inclusive approach enabled the identification of learning outcomes which directly reflect clinical practice.

To support the delivery of this curriculum statement, the NHS National Genetics Education and Development Centre developed a half-day interactive workshop for general practitioners. Since May 2008 more than 30 workshops have been delivered throughout the UK by our colleagues who work in the regional genetics centres. These workshops have been designed so that the content is delivered using case studies demonstrating the relevance of genetics to the generalist role and allow GPs to draw on their own clinical experience.

For more information about the work of the NHS National Genetics Education and Development Centre please visit our website www.geneticseducation.nhs.uk